Iron Studies, Serum

Iron test is done to detect iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia due to chronic disease and iron overload in conditions such as hemochromatosis and workup of microcytic hypochromic anaemia

• To detect iron deficiency anemia
• To determine the amount of iron in the blood
• To diagnose conditions such as hemochromatosis and thalassemia
• To monitor and evaluate iron levels in people taking iron supplements or undergoing iron therapy
• To assess iron overload
• To monitor iron levels after a blood transfusion
• To evaluate inflammation, liver disease or other metabolic disorders.

Measures the serum iron, TIBC, UIBC & transferrin saturation

Iron test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Iron deficiency anaemia: Concentration of Iron and transferrin saturation is decreased, while UIBC, TIBC is increased
Anaemia of chronic disease: Iron is decreased but transferrin saturation, UIBC, TIBC can be normal or decreased
Iron overload: Iron & transferrin saturation are increased, while UIBC is decreased and TIBC can be increased or normal

People with the following symptoms are advised to take an iron serum test

• Dizziness
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss

Yes. Before taking a serum test, your doctor might advise you to stay on a fasting diet for at least 12 hours.

High levels of iron, vitamin B-6, or vitamin B-12 can affect your serum iron level. High levels of iron may indicate hemolytic anemia, or hemolysis where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells

A serum iron test is a relatively safe procedure. As with any blood test, some people may experience mild discomfort or pain at the site of the blood draw. In addition, people who have health problems involving blood clotting or bleeding may be at increased risk of complications.

Some rare side effects have been reported from an iron test. These include:

1. Allergic reaction to the testing materials
2. Excessive bleeding or bruising at the puncture site
3. Infection at the puncture site.

If your serum iron test results are abnormal, you should contact your doctor right away. Your doctor may order additional tests to help determine the cause of the abnormality and will be able to provide further advice on how to manage it. Depending on the cause of the abnormality, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help regulate your iron levels.

Normal ranges for serum iron vary between individuals and depend on the sex as well. Generally, a score below 26 mcg/dL is considered outside the normal range for women, while a low score for men is anything below 76 mcg/dL. An abnormally high iron level would be above 198 mcg/dL for men and over 170 mcg/dL for women.

Serum Iron Test

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test

Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) Test

Transferrin Saturation % Test

Transferrin saturation

Transferrin saturation index (TSI)

Transferrin saturation percentage (TS%)

Serum iron tests are typically recommended for people experiencing: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or other anemic symptoms It is also recommended for people who have a family history of iron deficiency, who have recently had surgery, pregnant women, and those who donate blood regularly.